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900 Bottles of Love

In a letter written toward the end of the eighteenth century, Benjamin Franklin affirmed that wine is "a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy."  Aficionados of the fruit of the vine would likely concur.  What's often missed, however, are scriptural bases for a statement such as Franklin's.

This week we'll be two Sundays removed from the Epiphany, and the gospel text from St. John is the story of the wedding in Cana: the one which features Jesus' miraculous transformation of water into wine.  A well-known tale, even to those who are barely familiar with Christian tradition, it's typically considered Jesus' first miracle (though only the fourth gospel includes the story).

And it happens something like this: Jesus, his mother, and his disciples are all invited to a wedding.  Details about whose wedding this was aren't included.  But it was probably a pretty big celebration, as weddings in that time tended to be, with the festivities normally lasting several days.  And in the midst of the party, the wine runs out--prompting the mother of Jesus to tell him there isn't any.  Jesus doesn't initially appear bothered by this, asking why he or his mother should be concerned, but relents when Mary tells the servants to do whatever he instructs.  Ceremonial water pots are filled at Jesus' behest, but wine is drawn from them.  And the shindig continues.

What I don't often hear expounded upon, even though the evangelist calls our attention to it, is the amount of water used and therefore the amount of wine produced.  We're told that six jars holding twenty to thirty gallons each were filled "to the brim."  On the low end, that's 120 gallons of water which became 120 gallons of wine.  On the high end, it's 180 gallons.  For perspective, that translates to something like 900 bottles of wine.  For even more perspective, the average American consumes only twelve bottles per year.

Now I'm not sure how large this gathering was.  The whole town could've been there; such a thing wasn't uncommon in Jesus' day.  But 900 bottles of wine?  That's a lot!  That's exorbitant!  That's excessive!  And that's the point.

Jesus addresses the lack at the wedding in Cana not only by providing, but by providing more than enough.  And in doing so, he shows us how it is God gives.  Freely.  Unreservedly.  Lavishly.  It reminds me of another story, this one told in all four gospels, wherein a multitude (more than five thousand) is fed with five loaves and two fish.  And twelve baskets of leftovers are collected.  Indeed, the pages of scripture are replete with such reminders of God's extravagantly-generous love for God's creation.

And in my mind, that's a key lesson which can be gleaned from this passage.  Mr. Franklin implied, seemingly with a wink, that wine draws our attention to how much we're loved by our Maker.  Though he may have offered this insight tongue-in-cheek, it takes on an astounding shape in light of this story as we see the amount of the drink God, through Christ, provided.  If love were measured in wine, this story's inundated.

Now people are going to debate the veracity of this account, whether or not it should be read literally.  Others will contend as to its meaning or application.  I've even heard some say that the wine produced wasn't actually wine, because Jesus wouldn't promote such debauchery.  But regardless of one's opinions on these things, one point which I think is clearly made ought to remain in view: that the love of God is rich and abundant, overflowing our cups.  May our hearts always be open to receive this love, so that--like those first disciples--we might believe.

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